Bionics and Biomimetics

The Bionics and Biomimetics Bachelor's degree program at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences offers students a comprehensive education in understanding and applying biological principles to technological and engineering challenges. This interdisciplinary program combines biology, engineering, and materials science to explore how nature's solutions can inspire innovative designs and sustainable solutions in various industries. Throughout the course, students learn about the structure and function of biological systems, along with methods to analyze and replicate these mechanisms in artificial applications. The curriculum includes core modules in biomechanics, materials science, robotics, sensor technology, and advanced simulation techniques, aimed at equipping graduates with the skills needed to develop intelligent systems, innovative materials, and sustainable technologies.

The program emphasizes practical training through laboratory work, project-based learning, and collaborations with industry partners, preparing students for real-world challenges. Students are encouraged to work on research projects that focus on biomimetic approaches, such as designing robots inspired by animal movement or developing new materials with properties mimicking biological tissues. Additionally, the program addresses ethical and societal aspects of applying bio-inspired technologies, fostering responsible innovation. The degree provides a solid foundation for careers in research and development, product design, and engineering consulting across sectors like healthcare, automotive, environment, and consumer electronics, where bio-inspired solutions are increasingly vital. Graduates of this program are expected to become forward-thinking engineers capable of translating biological insights into groundbreaking technological innovations, contributing to sustainable development and enhancing quality of life. The Bionics and Biomimetics program at Rhine-Waal University prepares students not only academically but also practically, ensuring they possess the necessary expertise, creativity, and ethical awareness to excel in this cutting-edge interdisciplinary field.

Educational organisation

In total, the standard period of study comprises seven semesters of study. Additionally, sound foundations in business administration and economics are imparted, as are analytical skills and fundamental knowledge of social sciences. This acquired knowledge is then enhanced in key areas in the fourth and fifth semester. The sixth semester is reserved for a practical internship or semester abroad. Through the choice of specific elective subjects and the organisation of the sixth semester, students can sharpen their profile in terms of their aspired careers after graduation. In the final semester, each student writes a Bachelor's thesis after having developed an appropriate topic.

Study abroad unit(s)

The sixth semester is reserved for an internship or a semester abroad.

Internships

The sixth semester is reserved for an internship or a semester abroad.

Forms of assessment

Graded examinations (written examinations, seminar papers, presentations, written assignments, oral examinations) and certificates (projects, reports, presentations)
Bachelor's thesis

Course objectives

Our International Business and Social Sciences Bachelor's programme has a sharp, international focus, most notable in the curricula, language of instruction and transcultural competencies conveyed to students. As a graduate, your qualifications will lead to a wide range of possible career paths, particularly in multinational companies, institutes and organisations. In later semesters, you can select your degree specialisation, which lets you specifically enhance your qualifications and training in the fields and sectors you find most interesting.
Potential fields of employment for graduates include the following:

• management and specialist positions at companies and organisations specialising in accounting, finance and auditing
• management consulting
• positions in central corporate management, e.g., in strategy departments
• management and organisational positions in non-profit organisations

Language requirements

Please note that for Bachelor's degree programmes English language skills at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference are required. Please be aware that all applicants' test report form numbers will be checked. The following certificates are accepted:
IELTS: minimum 6.0
TOEFL (Internet-based test): minimum 80
TOEFL (paper-based test): minimum 550
TOEFL (computer-based test): minimum 213
The TOEFL code of our university is: 6962

Academic requirements

German entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences or equivalent
See: http://anabin.kmk.org/

Enrolment fees

Approx. 270 EUR per semester. This covers nominal administration fees and includes a semester ticket that allows free travel on most bus and train routes throughout the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as well as to and from Nijmegen in the Netherlands.

Costs of living

The "Deutsches Studentenwerk" puts the average cost of living for students in Germany at around 700 to 800 EUR per month. This includes rent, utilities, personal expenses, and other nominal costs. For a sample breakdown of living expenses and information about financing your studies in Germany, please see our website: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants.

Job opportunities

International students from non-EU countries are legally permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year on a student visa. No additional authorisation from German authorities is required.
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences often posts job advertisements for students both inside and outside the university on campus noticeboards. Some jobs at the university only require English, but most jobs in Kleve, Kamp-Lintfort, and surrounding areas will require at least conversational fluency in German. Fortunately, our Language Centre offers German courses that students can attend at no charge.
However, due to the intense workload at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, first-year students are strongly advised to dedicate their full attention to their studies. In later semesters, you will have a more open schedule and a better idea of how to balance work and studies. This is also a realistic time frame for acquiring speaking proficiency in German while studying full-time.

Funding opportunities within the university

A limited number of scholarships are available for currently enrolled students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The most prominent scholarship is the Germany Scholarship ("Deutschlandstipendium"). German and international students are both eligible to apply. The Germany Scholarship is a stipend of 300 EUR per month awarded each year to a limited number of students who have demonstrated excellent academic performance or exemplary social commitment to the community. Other scholarships, grants, and fellowships are available through regional and national organisations in Germany. Please see our website for details.
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences informs all students of important scholarship deadlines in advance so that they don't miss any potential application opportunities.
http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants/scholarships-and-grants

Arrival support

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is accessible from the international airports Amsterdam (AMS), Düsseldorf (DUS), Cologne/Bonn (CGN), and Weeze (NRN). The university does not offer any pick-up services, but both Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort can be reached by public transportation from any of these airports.
If you anticipate any travel problems, delays, or unexpected changes to your plans, please contact our Welcome Centre so that we can support you with helpful advice.

Services and support for international students

Our Welcome Centre supports international students during their first few weeks in Germany. The Welcome Centre provides helpful advice and guidance on contracts, opening a bank account, registering your place of residence, applying for a student visa, setting up health insurance, and more.
The student mentors at the Welcome Centre know first-hand what it's like adjusting to life as a student in Germany. They are also an important first contact point for students with personal and social issues, as they can direct students to the right place for their specific needs. The Welcome Centre also promotes student culture at the university by organising trips and excursions to destinations all around the region as well as a range of social events for students such as the annual "Freshtival", the university's week-long orientation festival for new students in the winter semester.

Accommodation

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences strongly urges you to make accommodation arrangements before your arrival. The university does not have its own residence halls, but the "Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf" runs dormitories near campus in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort with options for single rooms or two- and three-room flats. Prices start at around 220 EUR per month. Room availability in these dormitories is limited and subject to a waiting list, so it's important to register online for a room as soon as possible. Please note that a security deposit of three months' rent is also required.
Most students choose to share a private flat off campus with fellow students. There are a number of popular online portals for finding a flat in Germany, for example: http://www.wg-gesucht.de. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences also maintains its own list of available flats and rooms for students on its website. Thanks to the flexibility of the Semester Ticket, students can live in Kleve, Kamp-Lintfort, or one of the many cities and towns nearby and reach campus by public transport. For more information and helpful tips on finding a flat, please see our website: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/prospective-students/housing.